(06-16-2017, 09:06 AM)KYjaggy Wrote:

(06-16-2017, 03:20 AM)Bullseye Wrote: Define "short playoff run."

Yeah, mostly one and done. Maybe a scenario happens like where both of the Texans and Bengals played each other in the first round, so perhaps a 2nd round if we're lucky...but never where there is a real threat of a championship.

---

Based upon all that has been presented, I understand your point, but disagree with the presumption that ether a run heavy or a team without a great passing game is doomed to have a "short playoff run.

Recent history has shown any number of teams that have transcended the "short playoff run".

Starting in 1999, the Tacks made the Super Bowl, and they were a conservative team.
In 2000, the Ravens had Trent freaking Dilfer at QB, a run based offense, and a strong defense, and they won the Super Bowl. 2001 saw a run heavy Steelers team make the AFC title game.

2002 saw Tampa, with Brad Johnson at the helm, win the Super Bowl. The next year, Carolina with Jake Delhomme under C made the Super Bowl. In 2004, the Steelers were a run heavy team under rookie Ben Roethlisberger, as they had home field advantage in the AFC title game. 2006 saw the Bears somehow make it to the Super Bowl with Rex Grossman. Th Coughlin led Giants arguably did not have a dominant passing game when they won the Super Bowl over the less balanced Patriots in 2007 and 2011. In 2008, the Ravens-while not as bad passing as they were in 2000, reached the AFC championship, and won it all in 2012, beating the run heavy 49ers team. The Seahawks of recent vintage were not considered great passing offenses, and they went to back to back Super Bowls. Finlly, as KCirred pointed out, Denver recently won the Super Bowl without having anything close to a legit passing game.

Does having a great QB make extended playoff runs more likely than not having one? Yes, assuming most of everything else is in place. But run heavy/conservative teams have had plenty of extended playoff runs over the last 20 or so years.

---